JOHN WORT HANNAM
HannAm's narrative, And STRIkingly resilient writing approach, hooks the listener immediately - the real deal
Shindig Magazine, UK.
Alberta's John Wort Hannam has been on his roots-fueled troubadour journey for two decades, spinning song writing gold from the chaff of the lives he has encountered an within his fertile imagination. Twenty years into his career, he shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, he appears to be gaining both momentum and a wider audience. Winning two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year. John has enjoyed a lifelong passion for singing and audiences and critics hear something special in his narrative, lyrically driven songs. Effortlessly mixing rich and clear timbered vocals with lyrics that tug at the heart, his sound is both unique and familiar.
Born on the island of Jersey in the UK, he immigrated to Canada at the age of nine, and like a lot of performers, John began his singing career in a choir - the Calgary Boys Choir. He later discovered the guitar and his knack for writing songs in his early thirties while working as a teacher on the Kainai Nation in Blackfoot country. In 2001, John quit his teaching job and made himself a promise - he would try his hand at writing songs for 10 months or until his employment insurance ran out. When time was up, if he had a handful of songs, he would record them. Those songs would become his first recording, Pocket Full of Holes, released in 2003. Twenty-one years later, the Alberta musician is recognized as one of the best folk roots songwriters in Alberta, has released 8 full length recordings, and has a few feathers in his hat that included a Juno Nomination, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, a coveted Kerrville, TX New Folk Songwriting Competition win and numerous other Canadian Folk Music Award and Western Canadian Music Award nominations.
Highlights
2023 Folk Music Award Winner - Solo Artist of the Year
2023 Canadian Folk Music Award Winner - Contemporary Album of the Year
2023 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee - English Songwriter of the Year
2021 Number One album for seven weeks on CKUA Radio
2021 Western Canadian Music Award nominee - Roots Artist of the Year
2019 Western Canadian Music Award nominee - Roots Artist of the Year
2017 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (US) Grand Prize winner
2017 Composed the University of Lethbridge official 50th Anniversary song
2013 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee - Solo Artist of the Year
2013 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee - Contemporary Album of the Year
2013 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee - English Songwriter of the Year
2012 Composed the 2012 Alberta Winter Games Official Song
2010 Canadian Folk Music Award Winner - Contemporary Recording of the Year
2010 Western Canadian Music Award nominee - Roots Recording of the Year
2010 Juno Award nominee - Roots and Traditional Solo category
2009 Grand Prize Winner of the Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Competition
2008 Folk Alliance Music Award Nominee - Best Traditional Artist
2007 Kerrville Folk Festival New folk Winner
2007 Western Canadian Music Award Nominee - Songwriter of the Year
2007 Western Canadian Music Award Nominee - Roots Album of the Year
2007 Grand Prize winner Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Competition
2005 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee - Best Album of the Year
2005 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee - Best Vocalist of the Year
2005 Western Canadian Music Award Nominee - Songwriter of the Year
OFFICIAL VIDEOS
LIVE VIDEOS
High Res Photos
Stage Plots
QUOTES
“Hannam’s rich, reassuring vocals gently drew us in to tales of his childhood and adulthood, told straightforwardly and without apology. Though solid and calming in demeanor, Hannam’s sense of humor had the crowd laughing out loud throughout his performance.”
Elmore Magazine
“It’s an old fashioned term but “showmanship” comes to mind… the way John Wort Hannam crafted the arc of the show with very affective and memorable songs, and great ensemble performances (and fun) with Scott Duncan on fiddle and Jason Valleau on double bass.”
Bill Usher - A.D. Kicking Horse Culture
“After nearly two decades in music John Wort Hannam is one of Alberta’s most admired folk singer-songwriters.” Edmonton Journal
“Like Tom Russell, Hannam’s narrative, achingly resilient writing approach hooks the listener immediately. The real deal.”
Shindig UK
“It has been a total pleasure watching and listening to John Wort Hannam’s career unfold as it should. It’s all there - the songs, the voice, the entertaining stage presence.”
Penguin Eggs
“Acres of Elbow Room may be one of the most well-written albums I have come across in a long time. “Song for a Young Son,” is a type of song that is needed in today’s world but is seldom ever written. “Old Flame New Regret” is wonderfully fresh, yet it sounds comfortable and familiar at the same time.”
Roots Music Canada
“John Wort Hannam has a voice that can convey regret, sorrow, joy, and love in equal measure, and his songwriting is equal to the task of bringing out all these emotions…insightful lyrics, terrific melodies, and engaging music.” Great Dark Wonder
“John Wort Hannam has indeed made something beautiful with his recording Love Lives On.” Calgary Herald
“Songs that speak of the Prairies with the eloquence of a Sinclair Ross or a W.O. Mitchell, a Margaret Laurence or a Sharon Butala.”
therecord.com
“People are starting to sit up and notice this singer-songwriter in his appearances from Montreal to Australia.” Edmonton Folk Festival
“John Wort Hannam looks like Billy Bob Thorton, hails from rural Alberta, and does roots-country like no one’s business.”
Spill Magazine
